• Thursday, November 28, 2024

CRICKET

Australia taps uncapped all-rounder Beau Webster as cover for Mitchell Marsh

Webster was impressive in the A series against India earlier this month, becoming the second-highest run-getter for Australia A behind compatriot Nathan McSweeney

A file photo of Beau Webster. (Photo: X @Annuu1405)

By: Shajil Kumar

AUSTRALIA have added uncapped all-rounder Beau Webster to their squad for the second Test against India as cover for Mitchell Marsh, whose fitness remains a concern.

Marsh had pulled up “sore” following Australia’s 295-run hammering in the series opener in Perth earlier this week.

Webster, also a right-hand pace all-rounder like Marsh, has been the stand out performer in the Sheffield Shield over the past two years.

The 30-year-old has collected 1788 runs including five hundreds and nine fifties.

He also impressed in the A series against India earlier this month, becoming the second-highest run-getter for Australia A behind compatriot Nathan McSweeney, collecting 145 runs across four innings at an impressive average of 72.50.

With the ball, he became the joint-leading wicket-taker alongside Brendan Doggett, both taking seven scalps each.

“To get a few runs and wickets (for Australia A) was pleasing against a strong Indian side,” Webster was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au ahead of the announcement on Thursday.

Webster will join the Australian squad in Adelaide next week.

Despite the disappointing show in the series-opener, coach Andrew McDonald had asserted that there will be no changes in the home team for the pink ball day-night Test in Adelaide, starting on December 6.

Australia squad for second Test:

Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.

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